Eye of the Needle - Ken Follett

During the period starting mid-seventies to around the end of the late eighties, there was a spurge of novels which based their central theme on World War espionage. Perhaps all of the renowned authors during that time tried this concept in their books. (Jeffrey Archer did not try an altogether direct espionage thriller ever).Looking back if we have to bring out a book which stood out during those years, especially during the late seventies, perhaps, Ken Follett’s “ Eye of the Needle” would be the best bet.

The most interesting part of this Ken Follett book is that it was originally published under the name of “Storm Island” in the year 1978.  Storm Island actually happens to be a very important part of the second half of the story where the finale unfolds.

“Eye of the Needle”, unlike Follett’s earlier works of “The Modigliani Scandal” and “Paper Money” was very detailed and was carefully scripted, not to brisk like his earlier works. It was this detailing which makes an Impact on the reader. It comes out as if such a story could take place with anyone destined to be at the wrong place at the wrong time.

The mystery, the pace, the shadow walks, the chase and the finale which was tense and dramatic gives a very thrilling ride to the reader. The manner in which two stories collide into one event in the second half makes us wonder a lot about the importance of destiny in human lives.

The character of “Die Nadel” a.k.a Henry Faber, the German spy around whom the major story revolves has been brought to life very intriguingly. The ruthlessness in his actions somehow gave his love for his work and his country. Another Character which really stays with us is that of Lucy Rose. The reader would hardly imagine during the initial pages that the ultimate climax would eventually be between Lucy and Die Nadel. However one place where perhaps Ken Follett, could not control his past writings to take over was of course the intimate rendezvous in between Lucy and Die Nadel. Now that would surely be a very debatable event, especially for British female readers.  But that obviously is more of thought rather than a judgement.

In all, “Eye of the Needle” surely was one of its kinds during those years and it is the same even today for many readers.